Is One Denomination as Good as Another?
Since the question is worded this way, I am going to say “yes.” If the question would have read, “Is one church as good as another?” then my answer would have quite different. By definition, a denomination is a religious sect that was founded usually around the teachings of one man. For example, the Baptist’s […]
The Kingdom of Heaven and God
John the Baptist began his mission preaching, “Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt. 3:1-2). According to Matthew, Jesus began His ministry preaching the same message (4:17). The expression “kingdom of heaven” is unique to the gospel of Matthew; it does not appear in either of the other gospels. The corresponding […]
What is an “Institutional” Church?
Around 150 years ago, denominational churches began what was called “missionary societies.” These were human institutions started and supported by churches to “spread the gospel.” Later, schools, seminaries, day-care centers, social action groups, orphanages, nursing homes, clinics, printing companies, hospitals, Sunday school societies, and youth organizations have been started and supported by churches. A large […]
Who is Jesus?
A critical question for every seeker is, “Who is Jesus?” He asked of His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” in Matthew 16:13. The true answer will be found in scripture. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” If I want the raw, unvarnished […]
Are You “Essential” to Your Church?
Lufkin, like almost all places in the US, has issued a “stay at home” order for the citizens of the city and Angelina County. This means that all “non-essential” businesses must close but “essential” businesses and “essential” travel is still permitted (like going to the doctor and pharmacy). Lufkin explicitly defined what was “essential” and […]
Steps to Stagnation
In Revelation 3:15-16, the brethren at Laodicea were told, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” In a word, they were stagnant. Stagnation is defined […]
How Jesus Viewed the Scriptures
For many years it has been the contention of religious liberals that the Bible is not the very word of God, but that the existential moment that one has with that word can sometimes make it God’s word to him for that time. They have historically viewed the scriptures as the product of man’s search […]
One Hundred Truths About Jesus
Most of us probably know quite a bit about Jesus. Since He is our Savior, we had better learn as much as we can about Him. For those who do not know as much about Jesus as they should, here is a list of 100 truths about Jesus for you to study and learn. Jesus […]
The Purposes of the Church
The Lord’s church is the most profound assembly to ever exist on the face of the earth. Ephesians 3:10 states the church is the manifold wisdom of God. A stable, growing congregation of God’s people is one that knows and practices the purposes which the Lord established. We can know these purposes because we can […]
Are Bible Classes a Waste of Time?
In the minds of some people, Bible classes are not important. They may even consider them just “a waste of time.” What should be our attitude toward them? Why do we have Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday? Do we have classes just because others have them? Do we have classes just so we can […]